I'm not an elitist or believe I'm a genius by the way.
How come intelligent (fact/science based, good sentence structure and vocabulary, thoughtful, logical/reasonable) questions, answers, and statements are so incredibly abhorred by people?
I mean, in a way beyond school subjects and not necessarily to do with subjects like religion. It's as if the possibility that one knows more and/or "different" subjects and their contents then they are to be outcasted even though the person does not direct outward negativity (calling others stupid or calling themself superior).
2007-01-07 10:27:34 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Sociology
The belittling of intelligence is often the result of an appeal to our baser instincts. It's often used in political situations where one person tries to paint another as being out of touch, or as being someone who looks down their superior noses upon the great collective common person.
Unfortunately it suggests that people shouldn't trust or listen to those who have the experience and education in matters of great importance. It implies that people can rely on charisma over substance. I suppose that's why it seems our election campaigns are filled with two-minute soundbites over serious discussion and debate. And even why some very intelligent people try their darndest to make themselves seem much less so.
2007-01-07 10:44:47 · answer #1 · answered by Galt_007 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All these answers are skewed, even Imaka's. You say you are not an elitists, but if you really have intelligence you are of the elite. The percentage of people who have an IQ over 130 is 2%. Over 125 is 5%. Normal in group/out group psychology will be efficacious, here. That was the gist of " the Bell Curve ", that by pay and other incentives the intelligentsia would become more and more set apart. A good thing? I think not, but many things in this world good be said not to be good. The authors of " The Bell Curve " decried this phenomenon, but had no solution. In the old days, before cut-throat university education, intelligence was more evenly distributed among the population. It was no surprise to see a highly intelligent person at a job that we would abhor now days. Now, like hangs with like and our society becomes ever more fragmented into just tops and bottoms. Some people may not be all that intelligent, but intelligent enough to see how they are being marginalized in today's world and resentful about little chance to do anything about it.
2007-01-07 16:39:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would assume it is partially because some people feel inferior in those situations. In general it seems most people rate themselves higher than anyone else, and if a person comes along who is better at something, then there is an automatic dislike for them. They are referred to as "grandstanding" or showing off, even if they have the best intentions. Well, i suppose envy also fits into that scenario, as well as jealousy.
2007-01-07 10:36:20 · answer #3 · answered by jaysen_07 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most people compare themselves to others, and we don't like those comparisons to diminish us. Some handle uncomfortable comparisons by discrediting or belittling the other side.
Intelligence is valuable if used wisely. Intelligence without wisdom is greatly over-rated however. Lots of intelligent people can't use their gift effectively. Lacking that, they just use it as an excuse to demean others. Problem goes both ways
2007-01-07 10:32:08 · answer #4 · answered by pegasusaig 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because the more popular definitions and measures of intelligence doesn't cover the many types of intelligences that the human mind is capable of. So many people probably feel marginalized by this attitude, and feel abhorrent towards displays of this conventional intelligence.
2007-01-07 20:45:04 · answer #5 · answered by charlie c 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
intelligence does not receive the same acknowledgement it used to,
what is perceive as intelligence today has more to do with street savvy, ability to be strategic, ability to get away with outsmarting those who should know more.
it is does not mean the same as it did, it had a higher value when it was used for all but the above mentioned (in my answer)
2007-01-07 11:38:18 · answer #6 · answered by lm 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because most people are too afraid to put themselves out and show what they know. Ignorance and timidity are easier than courage and failure. So intelligent people are looked down upon as "outsiders" because they are in the minority of our "instant" society.
2007-01-07 11:25:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i totally get what ur saying
many ppl feel intimadated when they come across such a person especially if that person is used to thinking that he is bright and is used to impressing ppl with his knowledge.
as soon as this new person comes along he will feel as if his job has been taken and will automatically feel belittled.... now some ppl will choose to back away but others' egos will not allow this and seek means to destroy the other in any way possible .... easiest wat out to belittle he person / redicule him etc
2007-01-07 10:38:24 · answer #8 · answered by Lara^mt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People often fear or ridicule that which they do not understand or that which they envy. It is a sort of self-preservation and saving face. If people belittle others, it sometimes makes them feel better about themselves and more important.
2007-01-07 10:36:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
a)I suspect because the thoughtful answer takes time.
b)People feel comfortable with others most like themselves.
c)Stereotypes evoke prejudicial responses.
d)I have never been able to understand it, to tell you the truth.
2007-01-07 14:48:21 · answer #10 · answered by WikiJo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋